Pleas for reform after a slip (5)
I believe the answer is:
lapse
'a slip' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'pleas for reform' is the wordplay.
'for reform' is an anagram indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'pleas' with letters rearranged gives 'LAPSE'.
'after' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for lapse that I've seen before include "Backslide" , "Fail in duty" , "unguarded moment" , "Retrogress" , "Slight error due to forgetfulness" .)